The psychological toll on children in the occupied West Bank and Gaza is reaching a crisis point, according to Nisreen Qawas, a psychologist with the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Qawas describes a reality where children live with constant fear, shaped by experiences no child should endure.
The Weight of Trauma
Qawas recounts her own childhood experience of Israeli soldiers storming her home, an event that continues to impact her. She now witnesses similar trauma in the children she treats, who experience fear of arrest, home demolitions, settler violence, and the daily stress of insecurity.
The situation reached a devastating point on January 29, 2024, when Qawas received a call regarding five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was trapped in a car surrounded by the bodies of her six relatives, killed during Israeli tank activity. Hind pleaded for help, with gunfire audible in the background.
Despite the proximity of an ambulance, clearance from Israeli authorities to reach Hind was delayed and ultimately ignored. Qawas remained on the phone with Hind as her condition deteriorated, hearing her describe being wounded and expressing concern for her mother’s laundry. Hind’s last words, focused on her mother, haunt Qawas.
A Growing Crisis
The loss of Hind, along with two Palestine Red Crescent Society colleagues – Yousef Zeino and Ahmad Almadhoun – who were killed when their ambulance was struck while awaiting clearance, underscores the immense challenges faced by aid workers. Qawas emphasizes that Hind’s story is not isolated, but representative of the experiences of tens of thousands of children in Gaza.
Since October 2023, at least 20,000 children have been killed in Gaza, averaging 24 deaths per day. This number is considered a gross undercount due to the number of children still buried under rubble. Tens of thousands have been displaced, schools have been destroyed, and hospitals have been targeted.
More than 650,000 children in Gaza lack access to school, and over 1.2 million require immediate psychological support. Reports indicate that more than 39,300 children have lost one or both parents, with approximately 17,000 now orphaned.
Looking Ahead
Qawas argues that healing is impossible without an end to the ongoing threats and the restoration of essential services like healthcare and education. She stresses the necessitate for sustained investment in psychosocial and mental health support, emphasizing that mental health must be central to any humanitarian response. A permanent ceasefire is presented as the first step toward stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation for children in Gaza?
Children in Gaza are facing displacement, loss, violence, and limited access to basic needs. At least 20,000 children have been killed since October 2023, and many more are in need of psychological support and essential services.
What happened to Hind Rajab?
Hind Rajab, a five-year-old girl, was trapped in a car surrounded by the bodies of her relatives after they were killed. She pleaded for help while surrounded by Israeli tanks and gunfire, but an ambulance was unable to reach her in time.
What does Qawas believe is necessary to address the crisis?
Qawas believes a permanent ceasefire is the first step, followed by the restoration of healthcare and education, and sustained investment in mental health support. She emphasizes that protecting children from continued violence is paramount.
What responsibility does the international community have to address the psychological trauma experienced by children in conflict zones?
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